Based on...
Books and films are two closely-related forms of art and entertainment. Since the science of film was first established in the late 1800s filmmakers have been using it to tell stories, and they soon began utilising the existing narratives and characters of novels. These films have succeeded (or not) to varying degrees in the transition, some accurately portraying the writer's intention, some building on it and some disappointing the original readers. No matter how well the adaptation is done however, it is still nice to be reminded that yes, happily, there is more to read than Harry Potter.
For screen translations of Charles Dickens, Agatha Christie, Stephen King and many other notable authors click their links under this category, left. For adaptations of plays and Shakespeare, use the 'Alice's Playhouse' link.
Right: Kubrick's adaptation of Thackeray's novel 'Barry Lyndon'.
Life of Pi (2012)
7.9/10
Director: Ang Lee
Starring: Gerard Depardieu, Rafe Spall, Tabu , Irrfan Khan, Suraj Sharma, Adil Hussain
Based on the best-selling novel by Yann Martel, director Ang Lee's 'Life of Pi' is a visually stunning adventure story centering on Pi Patel, the prec... Read more
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey ( Blu-ray ) (3D) (2012)
7.8/10
Director: Peter Jackson
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Christopher Lee, Elijah Wood, Hugo Weaving, Ian Holm, Ian McKell...
The first in a trilogy of films based on the enduring masterpiece The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey follows title charac... Read more
The Man From Beijing (2011)
6/10
Director: Peter Keglevic
Starring: Michael Nyqvist, Suzanne von Borsody, Claudia Michelse, Amy Cheng, James Taenaka
A mass murder, a female judge and diary entries from ages ago, surely now forgotten. Judge Brigitta Roslin has to make a long and dangerous journey b... Read more
Moby Dick (2011)
6.2/10
Director: Mark Barker
Starring: Donald Sutherland, Ethan Hawke, Gillian Anderson, William Hurt, Billy Boyd, Eddi...
This modern adaptation of Herman Melville's classic novel stars William Hurt as Captain Ahab, a man obsessed with vengeance against a menacing beast t... Read more
Priest (2011)
5.7/10
Director: Scott Stewart
Starring: Brad Dourif, Christopher Plummer, Madchen Amick, Karl Urban, Paul Bettany, Maggi...
In a post-apocalyptic world, a savage war between man and vampire raged for centuries. A warrior priest (Paul Bettany) receives word of fresh attacks... Read more
The Three Musketeers (2011)
5.8/10
Director: Paul W S Anderson
Starring: Milla Jovovich, Orlando Bloom, James Corden, Mads Mikkelsen, Logan Lerman, Chris...
The hot-headed young D'Artagnan (Logan Lerman) joins forces with three rogue Musketeers (Matthew MacFadyen, Luke Evans and Ray Stevenson) in this loos... Read more
Sherlock: Series 1 (2010)
9.2/10
Director: Paul McGuigan, Euros Lyn
Starring: Rupert Graves, Martin Freeman, Benedict Cumberbatch
Sherlock Holmes is on the case again in a thrilling contemporary version of Arthur Conan Doyle's classic! Co-created by 'Doctor Who' scribes Steven Mo... Read more
Jane Eyre (2010)
7.4/10
Director: Cary Fukunaga
Starring: Judi Dench, Jamie Bell, Michael Fassbender, Sally Hawkins, Mia Wasikowska
Mia Wasikowska, Michael Fassbender and Academy Award winner Judi Dench star in acclaimed director Cary Fukunaga's daring new adaptation of Charlotte B... Read more
Jane Eyre (Blu-ray) (2010)
7.3/10
Director: Cary Fukunaga
Starring: Judi Dench, Jamie Bell, Michael Fassbender, Sally Hawkins, Mia Wasikowska
Mia Wasikowska, Michael Fassbender and Academy Award winner Judi Dench star in acclaimed director Cary Fukunaga's daring new adaptation of Charlotte B... Read more
The Town (2010)
7.6/10
Director: Ben Affleck
Starring: Ben Affleck, Chris Cooper, Pete Postlethwaite, Rebecca Hall, Jon Hamm, Titus Wel...
Ben Affleck co-wrote, directed, and stars in this crime thriller about a Boston bank robber who falls for a hostage (Rebecca Hall) he took while weari... Read more